Biodegradability of Rubber

Manufacturer: We manufacture a range of moulded rubber products using both synthetic and natural rubbers. How biodegradable are these products? Would appreciate some brief notes from you.
 
John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): It has been documented that degradation and assimilation of organic polymers by living organisms (i.e. bacteria and fungi) is possible and that natural rubber is more biodegradable than synthetic rubbers. Also, such degradation is facilitated by hydrolytic and oxidation breakdown of the polymers.

Microbiological degradation is favoured by high humidity, adequate minerals, sources of available carbon and absence of light. Past researches had indicated that Actinomyces such as Nocardia and Steptomyces are microorganisms responsible for the degradation of Natural Rubber products.

Thin products such as medical gloves made from natural rubber have been shown to degrade at quite a rapid rate after about 2 weeks of exposure to Nocardia, some experiencing a weight loss of more than 70%.

You could conduct your own test using ASTM D5988 - 03